‘Another great night for the Republican Party!’ Trump congratulates Matt Van Epps for winning Tennessee congressional race
In a high-profile race for a seat in U.S. Congress from Tennessee, Republican Matt Van Epps has defeated Democrat Aftyn Behn.
With 95% of the results tallied, Epps, a former Army helicopter pilot, collected 53.9% of votes cast, with State Rep. Behn receiving 45.0%.
With the race called, Van Epps currently has 52.5% of the vote.
Join the waitlist for our new results experience at: https://t.co/7BFRZvZQLe https://t.co/Ul7n7IyyaX pic.twitter.com/ysvl0CL9tx
— Decision Desk HQ (@DecisionDeskHQ) December 3, 2025
President Donald Trump, who actively promoted Epps, was among the first to announce the win on Truth Social: “Congratulations to Matt Van Epps on his BIG Congressional WIN in the Great State of Tennessee. The Radical Left Democrats threw everything at him, including Millions of Dollars. Another great night for the Republican Party!!!”
BREAKING: President Trump responds to Matt Van Epps’ US House win tonight in Tennessee
“Congratulations Matt. A BIG WIN! President DJT”
Keep adding to the Republican majority! https://t.co/teB7ka0gBF pic.twitter.com/jO3PKOTVIc
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 3, 2025
Congressman-Elect Matt Van Epps following his crucial election win in Tennessee tonight:
“The military taught me to be a team, trust the person next to you, stay mission focused, and never leave anyone behind. The spirit I’ll take to Washington.”
pic.twitter.com/5bwsZwhVfu— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) December 3, 2025
Behn had received major media coverage in recent days for her controversial statements supporting the burning down of police stations, being “uncomfortable” with prayer, and that men can give birth.
Outkick founder Clay Travis had shared an ad that was aired in Tennessee, opining: “Democrat Aftyn Behn says rioting is a way for people to express themselves & bragged about harassing ICE agents. Tennessee you have to vote Matt Epps for Congress next week. This chick is f’ing insane.”
Democrat Aftyn Behn says rioting is a way for people to express themselves & bragged about harassing ICE agents. Tennessee you have to vote Matt Epps for Congress next week. This chick is f’ing insane. pic.twitter.com/xinoHsPD9g
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) November 24, 2025
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, predicted the 2026 midterm elections would depend on which party does a better job of getting out its supporters.
“It’s gonna be a turnout election,” Cruz told Sean Hannity on Fox News. “Hate is a powerful motivator.”
Ted Cruz previews the midterms, warning that Democratic control of Congress would spell catastrophe for the country:
“It’s going to be a turnout election, and the left will show up. Hate is a powerful motivator — they hate President Trump. It doesn’t matter; he could cure… pic.twitter.com/EL9Tm6QTfs
— Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) December 3, 2025
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WATCH: Lefty Democrat candidate Aftyn Behn’s ‘greatest hits’
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